(BSS) - The government has taken initiatives to preserve and sell Boro paddy and rice of farmers in Netrokona, Kishoreganj, Sunamganj, Sylhet, Moulvibazar and Habiganj, affected by sudden tidal surges.

To this end, the previously scheduled date for rice collection (May 15) has been advanced, and the collection of paddy and rice from farmers in the Haor region will begin from May 3, said a press release here.

On the other hand, for farmers in other districts of the country, the collection of paddy and rice will commence according to the pre-determined schedule -- paddy collection from May 3 and rice collection from May 15.

In the upcoming Boro season, the government will purchase 1.8 million metric tons of paddy and rice from the domestic market. This includes 500,000 metric tons of paddy, 12 lakh metric tons of parboiled rice and 100,000 metric tons of Atap rice.

The government also has set the procurement price at Tk 36 per kg for paddy, Tk 49 per kg for parboiled rice and Tk 48 per kg for Atap rice. In addition to paddy and rice, 50,000 metric tons of wheat will also be purchased at Tk 36 per kg.